The bear was probably looking for food and checking out bird feeders, Grigas said.

“It was near the aquaduct ... near a huge, wooded area. Animals have traveled out there for years,” Grigas said.

Last year, officials also received a couple reports of bears in the area — they’re scavengers, she said.

“People started going out and looking for them,” Grigas said. “That’s when it becomes problematic. We don’t want people showing up and tracking this poor bear.”

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Framingham police didn’t respond to the bear sighting on Sunday, but later shared a list of things to keep in mind when dealing with the animals.

Never intentionally feed the bears, the statement — written by the Massachusetts Environmental Police — said. Officials also advised people against leaving trash bags outside, feeding pets outside, and using open compost.

“If you see a bear in your yard, harass the bear — bang pots and pans, blow a whistle or an air horn,” the statement said. “If you encounter a bear, talk to the bear in a calm voice, back away — DO NOT run — fight back if a black bear makes contact with you.”